Category Spotlight on Wellness


“I want to be healthy enough to go on adventures” – Jennifer C.

Jennifer Clark at Crimson Couch to 5K

Briefly introduce yourself and share a bit about your background.  I am the Compliance Operations Director in the Office of Compliance, Ethics, and Regulatory Affairs (CERA), and I have been at UA for almost 16 years. My primary responsibilities include managing the University’s compliance and ethics training programs, coordinating communications for CERA, and providing oversight…


“I truly enjoy the online classes that are offered through WellBAMA” – Rebecca M.

Rebecca Minder

Briefly introduce yourself and share a bit about your background.  A Tuscaloosa native, I have two degrees from the University of Alabama and am the Director of Alabama Heritage magazine. My husband and I have five adult children and a sassy beagle named Belle. Describe the starting point of your journey and the factors that…


The Power of a Walk with Coworkers

Angelia Gaddis

Briefly introduce yourself and share a bit about your background.  I’ve been happily married for 43 years and am proud to have two grown sons named Christopher and Kyle, both of whom are married to wonderful women named Beth and Emma. At home, I share my life with two beloved dogs, Thor and Mindy, while…


“Making time for my well-being truly became a necessity for me” – McKenzie

Briefly introduce yourself and share a bit about your background.My name is McKenzie Parham, and I have been working with the University for 3 years. I am currently a Facilities Associate III with the Elevator Maintenance department. I graduated from UA in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. When not at work, I…


“I have one body, what I do today determines my wellbeing tomorrow.” – Marsha

My name is Marsha Jones-Rush. I am an Administrative Assistant for the university of Alabama School of Social Work Doctoral Program. I am originally from Meridian, Mississippi. I enjoy all things fun. A few of my hobbies include viewing all types of sports, reading, cooking, arts and crafts and various types of music Describe Starting…


“I won my battle because of my well-being and determination to win” – Doug Best

Briefly introduce yourself and share a bit about your background.  I’m from Michigan and lived/worked there my entire life until 3 years ago when my youngest child Jacob decided to attend the University of Alabama! My wife and I retired from the State of Michigan and made the big move to Tuscaloosa. I “unretired” and…


“It’s never too late to transform your life.” – Albena

Albena_Dzhurova

Briefly introduce yourself and share a bit about your background.My name is Albena and I have just joined the University of Alabama’s College of Arts & Sciences as an Instructor at New College and New College LifeTrack. I am Eastern European, Bulgarian, to be precise, and I moved to the U.S. to pursue a PhD…


Finding Wellness in Movement, Community, and Connection

Sue givens in the snow

Briefly introduce yourself and share about your background.  My name is Sue Givens and I’m an administrative assistant in the Department of Community Medicine and Population Health in CCHS. I like spending my time finding adventures with my husband and friends, sewing, crafting, and traveling. I love a good cruise, a good cheese, and a good nap.…


“Find an activity that feeds your inner self…” – Leigh Ann H.

Leigh Ann Huguley

Briefly introduce yourself and share a bit about your background. I’m Leigh Ann Huguley and I’ve been with UA in Construction Contracts & Compliance since 2010. I don’t enjoy working out and I don’t have the self-discipline for routine exercise. I need an activity to get moving but I also want to be productive with…


Small Changes Can Make a Big Impact

Will Jefferson

Briefly introduce yourself and share a bit about your background. I’m Will, I’m a UA alumni, and I’m a computer scientist for The University of Alabama. I used to be overweight. Describe the starting point of your journey and the factors that led to this decision. I started my journey on accident when I had…


Running in Mickey Ears and Finding Balance Along the Way – Lori G.

Lori Greene

Briefly introduce yourself and share a bit about your background. My name is Lori Greene, and I have been at UA for 17 years. I am a Senior Instructor in the Department of Human Nutrition, Hospitality, and Sport Management. I have also been a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist for almost 25 years. Describe the starting point…


“I plan to take my wellness journey to a higher level” – Craig W.

Craig Waite 2

Briefly introduce yourself and share a bit about your background. My name is Craig Waite. I am a Regional Admissions Advisor for The University of Alabama. I live in Michigan with my wife and three kids. I’ve worked for UA for the last ten years covering Michigan, Minnesota, and Northwest Ohio. Describe the starting point…


“Couch to 5K has had the most positive impact on me” – Clay D.

Clay Davis

Briefly introduce yourself and share a bit about your background. My name is Clay Davis, and I’ve been working at UA for over 20 years. My wife and I love playing and walking with our dogs. They keep us on a schedule and keep us moving. Describe the starting point of your journey and the…